Over 75,000 visitors are expected to visit Dungarvan for the Waterford Festival of Food, taking place from 25 to 27 April 2025.
The festival will showcase over 80 events that highlight the best of Waterford’s food heritage.
Farmers, fishers, chefs, artisanal producers and food lovers will come together to celebrate sustainable practices and exceptional local produce, creating a dynamic atmosphere of discovery and enjoyment.
‘Food Culture’
“The festival is a major boost for the region, attracting visitors who explore our restaurants, cafes and shops,” said Oren Byrne, president of the Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity to showcase what makes Waterford so special and share our food culture with the world.”
The festival’s programme, set to be officially launched on 6 March, offers a weekend of culinary experiences. Highlights include the bustling Quayside Market on Saturday and the lively farmers’ market on Sunday, as well as a variety of engaging events for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy immersive food trails, farm visits, foraging adventures, and a unique blend of wellness, with sunset and sunrise yoga. For younger attendees, there’s a range of fun activities, such as cake-decorating, pizza-making, and the ever-popular Cuddly Farm.
In addition, this year’s festival will feature a diverse line-up of visiting chefs, including Liam Finnegan, the Ashford Castle team, Danni Barry (Ireland’s first female Michelin-starred chef), Aishling Moore, Aisling Larkin, Caitlin Ruth, Temple Garner, Luis Martin, Jonny Boyle, Paddy Lee and Patrick Powell. These chefs will host masterclasses, pop-up dinners, and special lunches that will showcase the creativity and passion behind food in Ireland and Waterford’s culinary scene.
The festival will also feature exhibitions, including the launch of ‘Sound Bites’, a new addition to this year’s event that builds on last year’s ‘Behind the Bite’ portrait exhibition.
‘Sound Bites’ will give visitors a chance to hear the stories of the hard-working people behind Waterford’s food industry, providing a deeper connection to the faces behind the food on our plates.
‘Bringing People Together’
“Waterford Festival of Food is about more than just incredible food – it’s about bringing people together, creating moments of joy, and appreciating the community that makes this region so special,” said Eunice Power, festival director.
“The festival is a source of immense pride in our community and shines a light on the generosity, warmth and talent here in Waterford.”
